First post although I am an experienced Festool user and a frequent visitor to forums.

I am in the market for a new portable dust extractor. My work is renovation involving sanding, chasing, both with old plasters and timbers. While I don't deal with hazardous dusts (e.g. asbestos, lead, mould,etc ) in a controlled way, dealing with older properties means that hazardous dusts are inherent to the job on daily basis. Its not building site work so there is no direct outside control - i.e. there is no requirement what I bring on the job.

Right now my main selection criteria is:- minimise exposure - looking at H class (or Hepa) DE due to dealing daily with hazardous dust - good reliability - good warranty and support.- good productivity - making sure it sucks dust and continues doing at good rate as it fills up (and I do understand drop off etc).

Cost is important but not main consideration.

Choices I have narrowed to are:- Starmix H1635 - 1600W H-class. Looks great in specs, internet feedback is good, 'crazy' youtube videos etc. Main negative is support - 1 year warranty and limited presence in UK. After 1 year, I would be in uncertain waters with any problems. The DE itself looks good, ipulse, washable filters. I object to lack of guidance from Starmix on the longevity of filters (and the crazy cost!). Also some of their guidance made little sense - have to use fleece bag to protect the filters. My experience with autoclean 'functions is that it doesn't work with fleece bags, unless someone invents autoclean that cleans the bag as well. So using both will just end up with bag clogging up and make ipulse redundant.

- Festool CTM26 . Good support, good trade feedback, well understood. Some of the things could be better, more suction, wider standard hose, but overall it works and will give me at least 3 years of worry free usage. Only problem is - its not H class, not even near (e.g. HEPA). So its out.

- Festool CTH26 - This looks again good in specs. Not as good as Starmix on paper but lot of other positives - excellent support, great warranty, known brand. Problem is - I don't have any practical experience of CTH. Does it suck as well as M class or is it considerably lower. Can I use it as M class where I just keep filling the bag until it starts beeping? Any other gotchas?

So anyways, thats my dilema - all advice welcome .

« Last Edit: January 09, 2019, 09:04 AM by I Nam »

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Why are you set on a H class vac? It seems overkill to me if you don't deal professionally with hazardous dust like asbestos. It's going to cost you a lot extra and you'll have more discomfort working with the vac than when you go for an M or L class vac.

Cost is not prohibitive. Looking at Festool, real world price difference is less than £100 from CTM to CTH. Starmix even less (~£60).

Second part of your statement - "more discomfort" is what I am trying to understand. I am after someone who has real practical experience of using H-class (e.g. Festool CTH) on daily basis who can share their experience and any discomfort!

Also, do I require one? Not from HSE perspective - my work is not HSE notifiable. So its a personal choice. If you work with buildings which are 100+ years old, its a can of worms. First you have original materials, then you have years of subsequent coatings, laggings, etc to deal with. I am not worrying about it. My simple view is, I need a new dust extractor, get one with best filtration that will cover all the bases, then get on with the job. And this is why I am looking at H-class, I just really need to understand how different it is day to day from M-class.

CTM differs from CTL in checking for enough airflow and having M certification.CTH differs from CTM in using a HF CTH 26/48 main filter (78€), FIS-CTH 26/3 bags (58€/3) and having H certification.

I strongly suspect you can easily turn a CTL into an effective CTH (sans the certification and airflow control) by mounting the CTH main filter and using CTH bags.

In case cost is no issue:You could well get a CTH and use normal HF-CT 26/36/48 main filters (34€) and SC FIS-CT 26/5 bags (40€/5) for when you don't actually have to deal with H stuff. And should the need arise to have a VAC with a certification you'll have one.

In case you plan to do much drywall stuff (and possibly the Planex) think about a CTx AC, and about adding a CT-VA to save on bags.

I believe the iPulse tech is superior to Festool's AC but I don't have any real world experience with either. I like the mobility and compactness of the Festool range. Bluetooth, smooth hoses and easy hose storage are definite advantages to me. If they weren't I'd most likely go for a Starmix 1635 as I believe it has better suction and tech.

Thanks Gregor. I do a fair bit of plasters sanding. I pretty much use Mirka (Ceros/Deos) exclusively for all sanding including plaster / fillter and never had the need to change to Planex or anything of that size.

So coming back to dust extractors - yes, it does need to deal with plaster dust - not all of the time but some of the time. Festool with Autoclean (without fleece bag) has excellent workflow here but this is not what I am after. Again, I am prepared to compromise here with more frequent bag changes if I means improved filtration. I do not however know how much of a compromise it is in reality.

On the other point using CTM or CTL with H filter - that is something of interest to me. If anyone has done that and can share their experience, that would be really helpful. Other point of using CTH with standard (L/M) filter - this is of no interest but thanks for suggestion.

I believe the iPulse tech is superior to Festool's AC but I don't have any real world experience with either. I like the mobility and compactness of the Festool range. Bluetooth, smooth hoses and easy hose storage are definite advantages to me. If they weren't I'd most likely go for a Starmix 1635 as I believe it has better suction and tech.

I know what you are saying, Starmix does sound better. But its difficult to say how much of iPulse is better tech and how much is hype. The few youtube videos featuring ipulse were showing off sucking up beer, mud and hot coals. It reminded me of "Will it blend" videos - fun but not helpful. I could find no real reviews of Starmix, I can't really go see a demo, I have never seen one in use, so in reality I am spending £700+ on basis of forum posts and youtube. At least with festool, if its horrible, I got 15 days to send it back. On Starmix - I do believe Metabo is a re-badged Starmix and reviews for that are mixed to positive, not bad but certainly not indicating that its in any way superior tech to other dust extractors. I also do wonder how I would fare with 1600W and power take off .

While Festool CT vacs are mobile on a flat floor, compact or luggable they are not. I have a CT26 and a Nilfisk Aero 21 HEPA that have similar suction, noise levels and performance...the Festool has more features like a tool triggered outlet, variable speed and Bluetooth. But if I have to lug it up a flight of stairs I'd much rather carry two of the Nilfisks than one CT26 as the CT is bulky, heavy and awkward. Oh and with Bluetooth it cost about the same as 2 1/2 Nilfisks.

So coming back to dust extractors - yes, it does need to deal with plaster dust - not all of the time but some of the time. Festool with Autoclean (without fleece bag) has excellent workflow here but this is not what I am after. Again, I am prepared to compromise here with more frequent bag changes if I means improved filtration. I do not however know how much of a compromise it is in reality.

I sand a lot of plaster. First thing you have to understand with plaster is that the material fills up the pores of your bags very quickly, often to the point you fill the bag only for 25% till suction is reduced to un unacceptable level. You say cost of the bags is no problem, well, I am sure that when you use those very expensive H bags you'll be going to change your mind very quickly. My CTL Mini bags only cost me €4 a piece, your H bags between €15-20 and you'll find you'll have to replace them just as quickly.

The point with the whole H classification is to make sure close to NONE of the dust escapes to enter your body, and this includes wearing hazmat suits and respirators. If you're not going to wear special clothing and breathing equipment it is of no use to upgrade from an L or M class vac to H. The L and M vacs already offer very good protection.

Problem with dust collection is also the point of origin, not all dust is going to be caught by the vac, and the amount of dust that escapes right at the source is MUCH bigger than what the vac's filters let slip through. You want to make a difference for your lungs, wear a respirator. I often do, especially with sanding plaster because that stuff is spewed everywhere.

I have a CT-26, Nilfisk Attix 44, and a Starmix 1600-watt vac and they're all great.

The CT-26 is great for general woodworking, and the fleece bags make disposal a breeze. Downside is that the pores of the bags tend to quickly clog with cementitious dust. I'm currently remodeling my home, and keep the CT-26 inside to keep up with the wood dust I create.

The Attix 44 (and 33) are great all-purpose vacs. There is a two-stage filtration system, the first filter has a pulse function that reverses the airflow every 15 seconds to release accumulated dust. Whatever makes it past the first filter then hits a HEPA filter. I started with a Attix 33, then later ordered the larger bin to turn it into a Attix 44, and keep it in my work shop.

Finally, I have a Mafell S-35M, which is a rebranded Starmix ISP 1600 watt vac. The electromagnetic filter cleaning is great, suction is amazing, and the compact size make this my "Go-To" portable job site vac.

On Starmix - I do believe Metabo is a re-badged Starmix and reviews for that are mixed to positive, not bad but certainly not indicating that its in any way superior tech to other dust extractors. I also do wonder how I would fare with 1600W and power take off .

The Metabos are rebrands of Starmix products, as are Spit vacuums. Lots of other firms, especially in the concrete trades, seem to buy from them as well. I have two Metabos, an older ASR2025 fitted with M-class filters and a newer ASR35M. They are very good vacuums and easily outperform equivalent Hiltis (the one brand where I have long term side by side experience). The self-cleaning on the Metabos (Starmixes) is excellent. Both will happily switch and run a Kapex on 110 volt site power (UK). The one thing the ASR35M could do with is a conversion plate, like the older ASR2025 has (as an accessory), which allows you to fix a Systainer on top.

The one thing the ASR35M could do with is a conversion plate, like the older ASR2025 has (as an accessory), which allows you to fix a Systainer on top.

Google "Starmix Smartfix" or "iPulse reloaded". They just updated the vacuums and the tops now have adapters to hold Systainers (facing forwards). Not sure if the older vac's could have their tops switched out (the tops are molded now to take the adapter).

To OP's inquiry. I was discouraged with the Festool vacuums for much the same reasons as you. I banged my head against a wall trying to understand how there was no vacuum that could do plaster/drywall and concrete. Then I found the iPulse. The videos are completely gimmicky. But the performance is not.

When I got my vacuum, it came with two DIN test certifications for each of the two filters. I'd never seen so many repeating 9's before a "%" symbol.

You have reservations now. Buy it. They will go away.

The only consideration I'd think about after reading your post regarding protecting the filters/bagging...is cyclonic pre-filtering, specifically a dual cyclone like Dyson. To really separate the small and lightweight media (drywall dust, etc) you need small cyclones similar to the ones on his vacuum (current versions).

The replacement cost for the iPulse Hepa filters is no joke, they are $240ish/pair this side of the pond so you're not wrong to consider ways to protect them.

I wouldn't worry much about Starmix's warranty length. It is significantly more likely that you'd break the vacuum due to your actions than something being defective.

Festool produces many phenomenal products. Their vacuum does not seem to fit your needs.

Not sure if the older vac's could have their tops switched out (the tops are molded now to take the adapter)

They can, but it's a different adaptor plate that Metabo sell, called a Metadepot. Mafell have the same plate available for their older Starmix-sourced vacs. Didn't realise that Starmix had actually got the plate for the ASR35 on the market (I've been waiting a while for one) - it isn't on the GB Starmix distributor's site yet nor is it listed by Metabo UK as yet. Hence my earlier comments.

I wouldn't worry much about Starmix's warranty length. It is significantly more likely that you'd break the vacuum due to your actions than something being defective.

I'll second that. I've run a Kapex through mine for more than a year with neither breaking. My older ASR2025 has done more than 5 years of site work including being set-up in a "cutting room" on a big job for the best part of two years. All I've replaced on that has been filters (1 set), hose ends (3 or 4 to date) and clips from the Metadepot plate - oh, and dust bags, load of them. I've seen guys using these for vacuuming wall chasers and they survive that well despite the material being brutal on the filters and bags

For those who might be interested, Metabo is updating this unit for 2019 with 157cfm's. The older units (130cfm's) are the one's offered in the promotion. There may also be a low amperage limit on the on board power outlet. Total draw is stated as 11amps, the vacuum can be turned down to ~5amps, so the balance is available to the power tool. I have not used these, so I'm not sure if it's overbuilt and will handle high demand tools through the onboard outlet or whether it will trip an internal breaker. It's still a fantastic deal for a HEPA extractor and if you have the flexibility to power the tool and extractor through two circuits or you only intend to use the tool activation feature with sanders and low draw devices, this is a non-issue.

With regard to the ASR 35, further up in this thread Job and Knock stated he successfully runs the Kapex through an ASR 35 on 110V power in the UK. I believe this should be very similar to the US in terms of current draw.

Not sure if the older vac's could have their tops switched out (the tops are molded now to take the adapter)

They can, but it's a different adaptor plate that Metabo sell, called a Metadepot. Mafell have the same plate available for their older Starmix-sourced vacs. Didn't realise that Starmix had actually got the plate for the ASR35 on the market (I've been waiting a while for one) - it isn't on the GB Starmix distributor's site yet nor is it listed by Metabo UK as yet. Hence my earlier comments.

I wouldn't worry much about Starmix's warranty length. It is significantly more likely that you'd break the vacuum due to your actions than something being defective.

I'll second that. I've run a Kapex through mine for more than a year with neither breaking. My older ASR2025 has done more than 5 years of site work including being set-up in a "cutting room" on a big job for the best part of two years. All I've replaced on that has been filters (1 set), hose ends (3 or 4 to date) and clips from the Metadepot plate - oh, and dust bags, load of them. I've seen guys using these for vacuuming wall chasers and they survive that well despite the material being brutal on the filters and bags

The I-Pulse compatible OEM sys-dock won't be available until October at least. Also, the Metadepot is not compatible with the I-Pulse vacuums. It was designed for the version that preceded it. In the U.S. Bosch and Mafell sold rebranded versions of those earlier (boxier) vacs. Bosch's involvement is why there are still parts and accessories available (at affordable prices) that play nice with the rebranded i-Pulse vacs. Like hoses, bags, hose fittings, filters, etc. Interestingly enough, I've watched those accessories go from rock-bottom pricing up to levels approaching Festool, all in the two years since I purchased my CS Unitec version. Somebody realized they could make a killing in the aftermarket arena I guess.

After a fair bit of research, and having up to I opted for the new model iPulse L 1635 Top (the handle and accessory storage really does come in handy) - after a couple of long chats with Allsaw, the choice was L class for variable control of suction (though the new M and H class iPulse have two step control), M class filter bags and H class filters. This answered as best as possible my main concern of - where does the dust go that isn't caught by the filters? - so have the most efficient available filters, with the greatest surface area, and have a unit which will not lose suction while its filters are being cleaned. Also, something which was counter intuitive to me at the time, was the advice to keep the filter bags in while using the pulse clean technology, from experience of using this method - a) The bags fill completely, b) The filters are kept in better condition. To be honest I'd always been a bit dismayed to see filters completely caked with dust then pulsed, when using PE liners - so this retention of the first barrier to dust particles worked, and is working for me. Amongst others Metabo and Mafell make extractors which are rebadged Starmix - not sure if their new models are the same in terms of their technical specifications, you'd have to check that out. I reckon if you are based in US, these manufacturers maybe a better choice for you, due to a better presence there than Starmix.The only drawback I've found with my choice, is the weight of the unit when bag is near to full - moving it up and down scaffolding is quite a task - on flat areas with the use of the handle obviously no problem in moving it around. Starmix do make smaller models, but the filters can only be pulsed during work breaks, and I wanted something that worked continually. I did ask if Starmix were considering a smaller iPulse model down the line, but apparently not.If you want some independent test data for these models and Festool/Nilfisk et al, have a look at the TNO site under dust extractor classification.In one way I think Starmix do themselves a disservice with the 'Can it break' you tube videos, in another way it does clearly show how tough these extractors are - I wonder how other manufacturers models would fare in the same testing environment.However, if you want some more serious minded independent test data for these models and Festool/Nilfisk et al, have a look at the TNO site under dust extractor classification.

Like many I found it difficult to find independent testing or even much in the way of reviews about dust extractors - so it was great to locate this independent Dutch research organisation, which has some clear and concise information about a field where there seems to be a fair amount of disinformation.

Like many I found it difficult to find independent testing or even much in the way of reviews about dust extractors - so it was great to locate this independent Dutch research organisation, which has some clear and concise information about a field where there seems to be a fair amount of disinformation.

@Simon O - thanks for the excellent resource! I agree, the dust extractor world is rife with tall claims, misinformation and loads of obfuscation.

Like many I found it difficult to find independent testing or even much in the way of reviews about dust extractors - so it was great to locate this independent Dutch research organisation, which has some clear and concise information about a field where there seems to be a fair amount of disinformation.

...(which, among those machines tested, rank Starmix among the best and Festool among the worst in terms of health and safety) are sure to touch off a storm of commentary. Also of interest, is the fact that there are some surprising leading contenders like Makita for instance.

Finally, somewhat curious that they have not yet tested an H-class (HEPA-filters-fitted) version of the i-Pulse (only L-class and M-class from the look of it). Unless I'm overlooking something, I don't see one listed.

Finally, somewhat curious that they have not yet tested an H-class (HEPA-filters-fitted) version of the i-Pulse (only L-class and M-class from the look of it). Unless I'm overlooking something, I don't see one listed.

Finally, somewhat curious that they have not yet tested an H-class (HEPA-filters-fitted) version of the i-Pulse (only L-class and M-class from the look of it). Unless I'm overlooking something, I don't see one listed.

HEPA is not a European thing, afaik. Hence no mention.

Oh, right. I'd forgotten that your H-class filters are basically the same thing, at least as far as exhaust requirements are concerned:

Somewhere I had got it in my head that there was some difference. Thanks for the clarification.

Also, I forgot that the filters used in M-class machines are the same as those used in H-class machines (and that the only difference between the machines has to do with warning lights and bells and whistles and such). At least that's how I've understood things in the past.

...(which, among those machines tested, rank Starmix among the best and Festool among the worst in terms of health and safety) are sure to touch off a storm of commentary. Also of interest, is the fact that there are some surprising leading contenders like Makita for instance.

You have to interprete the numbers in the context of the work being done for the individual test: the ratings for the Festools are when being used to extract an angle grinder cutting bricks - while others rating (resulting in higher hours per day) stem from extracting a completely encapsulated tool (which is way easier, compared to a half-open one) working on materials that don't clog bags as badly.

...(which, among those machines tested, rank Starmix among the best and Festool among the worst in terms of health and safety) are sure to touch off a storm of commentary. Also of interest, is the fact that there are some surprising leading contenders like Makita for instance.

You have to interprete the numbers in the context of the work being done for the individual test: the ratings for the Festools are when being used to extract an angle grinder cutting bricks - while others rating (resulting in higher hours per day) stem from extracting a completely encapsulated tool (which is way easier, compared to a half-open one) working on materials that don't clog bags as badly.

Except for the cordless Makita extractor I was comparing apples to apples. - machine with dust-shrouded angle grinder to other machine with dust-shrouded angle grinder both cutting the same materials. Or am I missing something?

Hmmm @TinyShop your comment that the rankings on TNO are "sure to touch off a storm of commentary" overlooks the complacency of most users of Festool extraction. Reference the thread here - Re: New products for January 2018 (Europe) - Facelift for 26, 36, 48« Reply #162 on: April 02, 2018, 05:14 PM »

"Thanks fellow Foggers - some great contributions there.

Particularly loved the "near perfect vac" as "all the basics are taken care of" - reassuring to know there's nothing actually that can be improved with respect to the principal function of these extractors.

Thanks to Peter too, for drawing our attention back to the topic at hand - the new hose garage and Bluetooth.

Improved performance in the efficiency of the extractors seems to be a non starter then, as far as it's users are concerned. Perhaps a representative of Festool could comment? - Is the airflow improved? Have there been any changes in the design of the new extractors which improve the efficiency of the dust collection? Is the exhausted air cleaner?

it would be a waste of time if there wasn't a standardised test - seems so, no? The details for the test are clearly stated.

You might not cut bricks or concrete, but there a lot of us who do, and in my view these sorts of applications are an excellent test of an extractors capabilities - given the volume, velocity and nature of the materials being extracted.

The figures given for duration of operation are more than just a means of ranking extractors they illustrate how long a set up can be safely operated before a workplace becomes compromised and the users health is affected -

"The label shows the total “responsible operating time” in hours – between one and eight – per eight-hour working day. That is the length of the time for which the system can be operated without exceeding the statutory occupational exposure limits for hazardous substances such as crystalline silica and hardwood dust, as measured in the “employee inhalation zone”."

This is pertinent to everyone who uses tools which create dust, no matter what the type of dust or the application - and certainly helps in making a more informed choice of extractor.

I think most people who routinely use Festool extraction assume with @Coen in the thread 'New products for January 2018 (Europe)....'thread-

"Nah, once all the basics are taken care off, people will find other "wants" and so we end up with a near perfect vac where the biggest thing to about was apparently the hose."

So given that premise, it's pretty unlikely there's going to be a storm of commentary. Let's have a look though - it's been roughly a month since TinyShop's comment about the TNO ratings for Festool extractors

Like many I found it difficult to find independent testing or even much in the way of reviews about dust extractors - so it was great to locate this independent Dutch research organisation, which has some clear and concise information about a field where there seems to be a fair amount of disinformation.